i have to say that there seem to be some very knowledgeable people in this forum, both in terms of hi-fi and on other matters. it has had me wondering what you lot do? how you have managed to develop your knowledge, and how you pay for this admittedly expensive hobby. i'll go first and say that i am a trader on the financial markets in london. i got interested in hi-fi when i was at university and a friend of mine introduced me to proper audio. he used to do hi end installations (including george lucas and larry ellisons homes) needless to say i got to play with some nice toys! i used to tease him that he was like a drug dealer saying "here, come and have a listen to this, if you like it come and talk"